Chairmanship: PDP Consensus Deal Shatters as Lamido Rejects Turaki
The much-touted consensus arrangement within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its national chairmanship election has reportedly collapsed, following former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido’s rejection of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the party’s consensus candidate.
Sources within the party said that efforts by northern PDP leaders to broker unity ahead of the convention hit a major setback after Lamido openly opposed the endorsement of Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, citing concerns over fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, reportedly insisted that the chairmanship should not be imposed through backdoor consensus, stressing that party unity can only be sustained through free and fair competition.
“The PDP cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Consensus must be built on genuine consultation and not on selective endorsement,” Lamido was quoted as saying during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
The development has reignited tension among the party’s northern bloc, with some stakeholders accusing Lamido of frustrating reconciliation efforts aimed at presenting a single candidate to strengthen internal cohesion.
Party insiders revealed that the disagreement may widen existing divisions within the PDP as the chairmanship race heats up, with several aspirants refusing to step down despite earlier pressure from senior figures.
Political analysts warn that the crisis could undermine the PDP’s 2027 election strategy, as unity and effective leadership selection remain crucial to reviving its national appeal.
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